The United Arab Emirates (UAE) parliamentary division has stressed the importance of safely employing artificial intelligence (AI) in Arab and global societies. This viewpoint was presented by Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, speaking on behalf of Saqr Ghobash, President of the Federal National Council, at the 6th conference of the Arab Parliament and heads of Arab councils and parliaments.
The event was held at the League of Arab States’ headquarters in Cairo, aiming to discuss the pivotal role of AI in shaping a prosperous and secure future for humanity. Al Yamahi underscored multiple facets to be considered for achieving this objective, including establishing regulations, policies, and proactive strategies to regulate AI use.
There exists an emphasis on investing in talent and joint efforts toward AI governance and development, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring ethical AI deployment supporting innovation and sustainability. The UAE has demonstrated its foresight in this domain by appointing a dedicated State Minister for AI—the first globally—and initiating its national AI strategy, among other proactive measures.
At the summit, the UAE representatives expressed regret over the failure of the UN Security Council to adopt the resolution for full Palestinian membership in the UN. The UAE maintains its staunch commitment to promoting peace, justice, and the respect of Palestinian rights, advocating for a two-state resolution and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state as per international legal decisions.
The conference concluded with a definitive document titled “Arab Parliamentary Vision for the Safe Deployment of Artificial Intelligence.” The UAE division contributed valuable insights and suggestions during the preparatory committee meetings, highlighting the critical role of AI in achieving inclusive sustainable development goals and addressing developmental and climate challenges. The need to address the digital divide, monopoly on AI technology by select countries and large corporations, and the scarcity of regional AI specialists were among the issues raised. Furthermore, mechanisms for registering and addressing AI-related complaints and establishing dedicated institutional frameworks for monitoring and implementing national AI strategies and plans were proposed.
Key Questions and Answers:
– What was the primary focus of the UAE at the 6th conference of the Arab Parliament and heads of Arab councils and parliaments?
The focus was on the safe deployment of AI in Arab countries and globally, emphasizing the need for regulation, policy-making, and proactive strategies to govern AI applications.
– What concerns did the UAE raise regarding AI deployment?
The UAE raised issues related to the digital divide, the monopolization of AI technology, and the shortage of AI specialists in the region. They also suggested mechanisms for handling AI-related complaints and institutional frameworks to monitor AI strategies.
– Why is the UAE’s role in promoting the safe deployment of AI significant?
The UAE is a pioneering country in the field of AI, having appointed the world’s first state minister for AI and launched its own national AI strategy, demonstrating commitment to leading AI governance and ethical practices.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
– Digital Divide: The gap between those with access to digital technology and AI and those without could exacerbate inequalities if not addressed.
– Monopoly: A few countries and corporations dominating AI technologies could lead to imbalances in global power and restrict open innovation.
– Shortage of AI Experts: There is a scarcity of skilled AI professionals in the Arab region, which could hinder local innovation and development.
– Regulation Balancing: Developing regulations that ensure safety and innovation without stifling the potential growth of AI is a complex issue.
Advantages:
– Sustainable Development: Ethical AI can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals and tackling climate and developmental challenges.
– Quality of Life: AI stands to enhance quality of life by driving innovation and creating smarter solutions for everyday problems.
– Collaborative Governance: International cooperation on AI governance can facilitate uniform standards that promote global stability and peace.
Disadvantages:
– Job Displacement: The rise of AI could lead to the automation of jobs, impacting employment in various sectors.
– Data Privacy: AI systems that process vast amounts of data raise concerns regarding privacy and the potential misuse of information.
– Ethical Issues: AI presents ethical challenges, including biases in decision-making, which need to be proactively addressed.
For more information on AI initiatives and policies, you can visit the website of the UAE Government at Government of UAE. Please ensure that any link visited is appropriate for your own security and conforms to browsing guidelines, as I cannot confirm the validity of URLs beyond my last update.